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Texas A&M University–Central Texas
STUDENT GUIDE
for the COUNSELING (M.ED.), COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY (M.S.),
SPECIALIST IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY (S.S.P.), and EDUCATIONAL
PSYCHOLOGY (M.S.) Graduate Programs
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Table of Contents
Contents
Student Checklist
Part 1: Admissions and Information for the Student
Program Options
Statement of Informed Consent
Admission
Ethical Standards
Faculty Advisement
Student’s Responsibilities
Degree Plan
Part 2: Program Performance Standards
Program Standards
Academic Appeal Policy
Student Retention Policy
Evaluating Student Performance
Student Review Policy
Professional Endorsement Policy
Admission to Candidacy
Comprehensive Examination
Graduation
Part 3: Field Placement
Courses
Eligibility
Applications and Deadlines
Selection of Practicum and Internship Sites
Liability Insurance
Part 4: Professional Identity
Professional Associations
Honor Societies
Part 5: Certification and Licensure
Appendices
Appendix A. Performance Fitness Evaluation Form
Appendix B. Application for Admission to Graduate Psych. & CNSL Programs
Appendix C. Confidentiality Form
Appendix D. Informed Consent Form
Appendix E. LMFT Practicum - Prerequisite Verification Form
Appendix F. LPA Practicum – Prerequisite Verification Form
Appendix G. LPC Practicum - Prerequisite Verification Form
Appendix H. School Counseling - Prerequisite Verification Form
Appendix I. School Psychology Internship – Prerequisite Verification Form
Appendix J. School Psychology Practicum – Prerequisite Verification Form
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COUNSELING (M.ED.), COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY (M.S.), and
EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (M.S.) Graduate Programs
Student Checklist
______
Apply to Graduate School. This includes:
_____
Completing and submitting the Graduate School Application for
Admission form where the student indicates which degree
program in the department of Psychology and Counseling he or
she is applying for
_____
Submitting current Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
_____
Submitting official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate
academic coursework
_____
Writing and submitting a 200-300 word essay addressing career
and academic goals
_____
If invited, attending the departmental interview to help
determine if the student is a good fit for the program to which
he or she is applying; completing an on-site writing sample
following the interview.
Note: Admission to the Graduate School does not guarantee admission to a
graduate degree program in the department of Psychology and Counseling.
_____
Meet with a graduate advisor prior to enrolling in any courses in a degree
program in the department of Psychology and Counseling.
_____
Meet with a graduate advisor to complete a degree plan AFTER FULL
ADMISSION
_____
Apply for CNSK 595, CNSK 596, PSYK 505, PSYK 584, PSYK 587, PSYK 595,
or PSYK 596 in the semester prior to enrolling in it (must apply each
semester for each course)
_____
Apply to take comprehensive exams
_____
Apply for graduation and participation in graduation ceremony
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PART 1: ADMISSIONS AND INFORMATION FOR THE STUDENT
Program Options
Students may choose from different options within the graduate degree programs.
Reference should be made to the university catalog and the advising guide sheets
(available from the department office or an advisor) for specific coursework
requirements within each of these options.
 Each student must declare an option (e.g., LPC, LMFT) when applying to the
department for program admission and acknowledge this choice when a degree plan
is filed.
 Students will graduate with a graduate degree under only one program.
 Students may take courses not listed on their degree plans with the understanding
that these courses are electives and may not satisfy requirements for graduation in
some programs.
Available programs include:
 For the Counseling (M.Ed.) program: School Counseling (with or without eligibility
for the Licensed Professional Counselor).
 For the Counseling Psychology (MS) program: Licensed Professional Counselor or
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist.
 For the Educational Psychology (MS) program: Licensed Psychological Associate or
Experimental Psychology.
 For the Specialist in School Psychology (S.S.P.) program: Licensed Specialist in
School Psychology
 Non-degree seeking certification programs include: School Counseling
Statement of Informed Consent
The graduate degree programs include laboratory and field experiences in counseling or
psychology. These courses may include practicing counseling, therapy, and assessment
skills with student peers, being interviewed by counseling or psychology peers, and
practicing newly-acquired and more advanced skills with actual clients at field sites.
Important components of student evaluation will include receptivity to the giving and
receiving of feedback (from peers, university instructors, and site supervisors) and
ability to integrate such feedback into the student’s counseling, therapy, and
assessment behaviors. Feedback will include supervisor observations (from course
instructors, program faculty, and site supervisors) of any limitations in counseling,
therapy, and assessment skills, professional practice, and personal qualities and
behaviors which may inhibit the student’s therapeutic abilities. Feedback (oral and/or
written) will come in the classroom and lab settings, as well as in group and individual
supervision settings. Additional meetings with instructor and/or field supervisor may be
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necessary. Progression through field experiences will depend upon a formative
evaluation by the instructor that the student has acquired the skills necessary for the
next level.
Due to the nature of counseling and psychology, and the faculty’s responsibility to
educate effective counselors and therapists, students may be encouraged to participate
in experiential activities (including group counseling as well as attending and paying for
counseling as an outside class activity). Signing a confidentiality agreement, which is
included in the appendix of this student handbook, protects student’s rights with regard
to self-disclosure.
Students are subject to the conditions of the department’s retention procedure included
later in this guide.
Admission
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The student must be admitted by the Office of Graduate Admissions.
The student must meet admission requirements as specified in the Departmental
Handbook and University Catalog. Application forms may be obtained from the
department office or website.
The student must return to the Department the completed application (Appendix
B)for admission and all documentation according to the following schedule:

Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Summer Semester
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
July 1
November 1
April 1
An admissions committee consisting of members of the Department faculty will
convene every semester to review applications, writing samples and interview
results to determine acceptance or denial of individual applicants.
Students failing to meet full admission requirements may be granted conditional
admission status until the first 12 semester hours are completed.
o If denied conditional admission, students may re-apply for admission after
successful remediation. Students are responsible for this remediation
following input from their graduate advisor and/or the admissions committee.
o Conditionally admitted students must enroll in coursework approved by a
graduate advisor and receive a grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or above
on the specified coursework to be eligible for full admission.
o Students will not be permitted to enroll in additional coursework in counseling
(CNSK), counseling psychology (CPSK), or psychology (PSYK) beyond the first
12 semester hours if not fully admitted to the program.
o If denied full admission after being conditionally admitted and completing 12
semester hours, students may re-apply for admission after successful
remediation. Students are responsible for this remediation following input
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from their graduate advisor and/or the admissions committee.
 Remediation plans are designed to be specific to a student’s needs.
They may involve one-on-one consultation with faculty, additional
undergraduate coursework, professional development activities, use of
tutoring services, etc.
Students’ admission status will be reviewed continuously throughout their course
of study regarding their ability to develop competence in counseling, therapy,
and/or assessment skills. Should a change in admission status be required,
appropriate program procedures will be followed. Consult this guide or ask a
graduate advisor for details.
No more than 6 semester hours of graduate coursework completed at another
regionally accredited university will be accepted for transfer credit on a student’s
degree plan. No undergraduate credit will be counted toward a graduate degree.
Coursework more than 6 years old at the time of graduation cannot be counted
for a degree.
Ethical Standards
All students are expected to understand and practice the ethical codes and standards of
conduct of their appropriate professional organization, certification and/or licensing
board. These include:

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the
the
the
the
the
American Counseling Association (ACA)
American Psychological Association (APA)
American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
Students are also expected to understand and adhere to the standards of conduct for
students at Texas A&M University - Central Texas (A&M-Central Texas). Violations of
professional ethical standards or University rules could deem a student unfit to continue
in the program.
Students are expected to periodically review the ethical standards to ensure continued
understanding and practice.
Advisors and faculty members at A&M-Central Texas have an obligation to respond
when students are in violation of professional ethical standards or University rules of
conduct. Additionally, the Office of Student Affairs may take action when a student
violates the Student Code of Conduct.
Faculty Advisement
Students are strongly encouraged to seek advising by faculty advisors regarding
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coursework, certification and licensing requirements, program policies and procedures,
requesting changes in degree plans, and assistance with other educational or career
needs.
 A faculty advisor is assigned to each student according to area of emphasis and
degree plan. Students may consult with any faculty member but are urged to work
with their assigned advisor as much as possible due to his/her expertise and
knowledge in the student's area of emphasis.
 Advising is a continuous process, and faculty advisors are assigned many students to
advise in addition to their other workload requirements, such as teaching, service,
and research. Students should demonstrate respect for the faculty advisor's time by
setting appointments and being prepared for their appointments as much as
possible.
Student's Responsibilities
Students have a responsibility for their learning. Other responsibilities include:
 Reading the A&M-Central Texas catalog each year to determine if changes impact
them
 Reading and adhering to professional ethical standards
 Meeting registration and payment deadlines
 Participating in activities and projects, internal or external to the University, that will
enhance their learning experience
 Following the degree plan outline as closely as possible and being aware of all
course prerequisites
 Preparing for courses by making arrangements to attend regularly scheduled
classes, allowing for adequate study time, completing assignments on a timely basis,
and taking the final exam as scheduled
 Identifying skill strengths and working toward development of skills that need
improvement
 Asking questions to obtain information regarding topics they do not understand
 Acquiring and maintaining a minimum of $1,000,000 ($3,000,000 aggregate) in
professional liability insurance prior to taking clinical practicums and internships
 Preparing for the site-based practicums and internships in advance of the semester
in which they will be taken, including submitting application forms by posted
deadlines
 Applying for candidacy upon completion of selected core courses
 Successfully completing the comprehensive examination or thesis
 Meeting graduation requirements and deadlines
 Collecting and maintaining documentation of practicum and internship hours which
will be needed when applying for certification or licensure
 Becoming identified with the professional community (e.g., participating in
professional activities and/or joining a professional association such as APA, ACA,
ASCA, AAMFT, National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), Texas
Counseling Association (TCA), etc.) – see Part 4 of this handbook.
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Degree Plan
Students must have full admission to file a degree plan in the department. Once full
admission status is granted, a student should contact his/her graduate advisor to
develop a degree plan as soon as possible. The student, graduate advisor, and the
Department Chair sign the student’s departmental degree plan. The graduate advisor
will assist the student with the selection of courses related to the program option
chosen. Note: Students who are non-degree seeking are not in a degree program and
are not eligible to file a degree plan. Care must be taken to select courses on the
degree plan that also meet requirements for special credentials the student may be
seeking such as licensure or certification. See the Certification and Licensure section of
this guide for more details.
PART 2: PROGRAM PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Program Standards
Students must maintain high scholastic standards and develop skills necessary to work
with people with diverse needs. Students are expected to demonstrate emotional and
mental fitness in their professional fields and to conform to the code of ethics of
relevant professional associations and the state of Texas. A student's acceptance in the
Counseling, Counseling Psychology, Educational Psychology, or School Psychology
programs does not guarantee professional fitness that is required to remain in the
program.
Academic Appeal Policy
I. Overview: The College of Education Grade Appeal Policy was designed to
protect students from biased or inaccurate evaluation procedures without unfairly
impinging on the academic freedoms of the faculty. Consistent with this, it is
recognized that:
a. Students have the right for their work to be evaluated fairly and
accurately using a method consistent with professional academic
standards.
b. Faculty members have the right to evaluate students’ work using any
method that is professionally acceptable, submitted in writing to all
students, and applied consistently to all students.
c. It is assumed that A&M-Central Texas faculty members appropriately
evaluate students’ work, so the burden of proof for a grade appeal lies
with the student.
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II. Academic Dishonesty: The process for appealing a professor’s determination
that a student has engaged in academic dishonesty is separate from the process
for determining if a grade was determined fairly/accurately. If a student wishes
to appeal a grade that was influenced by the faculty member’s belief that the
student violated the university’s academic integrity policy and the student denies
these allegations, the student must complete the university appeal process for
accusations of violating the academic integrity policy prior to initiating a grade
appeal.
III. Justification for an Appeal: Grade appeals may only be initiated if the grade
was influenced by one of the following:
a. Error: A clerical/computational error was made in calculating/reporting
the grade.
b. Prejudice: The faculty member’s evaluation of the student’s work was
influenced by the faculty member’s negative attitude toward the student.
c. Arbitrary method: The grading procedure employed departed
substantially from accepted academic norms in a manner that indicated a
failure to exercise professional judgment (e.g., no explanation given
regarding the basis for assigning point values to assignments; grading
procedure deviated substantially from what was stated in the syllabus
without notifying students in advance of this change).
d. Inconsistent application: The student’s grade was not determined
using the same process applied to other students in the course.
e. Unsubstantiated charge of dishonesty: The grade was based on a
charge of academic dishonesty by the student which has been determined
by the university to be unsubstantiated by the evidence presented.
Insufficient reasons upon which to base an appeal include:
a. Disagreement with course policies that are clearly communicated in
writing to all students.
b. Differences in policies among sections of the same course or across
faculty members.
c. Potential negative impact on the student (e.g., loss of financial aid).
d. Dissatisfaction with instructional style and/or methods (Note:
Students who have complaints regarding the instruction they receive
should address these directly with their instructor or that faculty
member’s supervisor).
IV. Appeal Process:
a. A student who wishes to appeal a decision of a faculty member must
request a review by that person within 30 calendar days of the originating
event using the Grade Appeal Form (located on the website for the
College of Education).
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i. The faculty member is required to give the student a written
response within 15 calendar days.
ii. The response by the faculty member (or his or her immediate
supervisor) should be made using the Appeal Response Form
(located on the website for the College of Education).
iii. For an appeal of a course grade the originating event shall be
considered to be the posting of the grade to the university record.
For an appeal of an assignment/exam grade, the originating event
shall be considered to be the posting of the grade by the faculty
member.
b. If the faculty member is not available, a response is not made within the
specified timeframe, or if the student is dissatisfied with the response, the
student should submit a written appeal to the Department Chair (or his or
her designated proxy; the Chair must designate a proxy if he or she is the
faculty member who assigned the grade to be appealed) within 60
calendar days of the originating event.
i. This submission should include a copy of the original Grade Appeal
Form, a copy of the Appeal Response Form from the faculty
member, and a written explanation from the student addressing
why he or she believes the faculty member’s response was
inadequate/unsatisfactory.
ii. The Chair (or proxy) then has 15 calendar days to respond to the
written appeal.
c. If the student is unsatisfied with the decision of the Department Chair, the
student may appeal in writing to the College’s Academic Appeals
Committee within 15 calendar days of notification of the decision from the
Department Chair. The Committee will review the student’s appeal and
after hearing both sides of the incident, the committee may decide that no
further review is justified or may render a recommendation to the College
Dean within 30 calendar days of receiving the student’s appeal.
i. The Committee will consist of a minimum of three faculty members
appointed by the College Dean and two student representatives.
1. The student representatives will be the president of the
university’s Psychology and Counseling honor society (Psi
Chi) and the president of the university’s student chapter of
the Association of Texas Professional Educators. If these
students are not available to participate they may appoint a
replacement from within their respective organizations.
ii. The Committee may request additional information from the parties
involved (e.g., course syllabus, work samples, testimony).
iii. The Committee will notify the student and faculty member that the
appeal is under committee review.
iv. If the student or faculty member wishes to provide the Committee
with additional materials explaining their position, this should be
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done within 7 calendar days of the time the committee is asked to
review the appeal.
v. The student and faculty member both have the right to present
evidence in person to the committee, but the committee may
deliberate in private.
d. The decision of the College Dean is final and will be communicated to the
student in writing.
Student Retention Policy
Students must earn an average grade of “B” or better in the required courses for the
degree. If the cumulative graduate school grade point average (GPA) falls below 3.0
during any semester of enrollment at A&M-Central Texas, the student will be placed on
academic suspension. Upon return from suspension a student will sign a contract with
Graduate Studies stipulating the conditions that must be met for the following term. At
a minimum, the graduate student must maintain a 3.0 GPA for every semester
thereafter. Additional stipulations may be created on a case by case basis. A graduate
student is allowed one suspension. If poor academic performance results in a second
suspension, the student will be permanently dismissed from the university, unless an
appeal is approved. Under exceptional conditions, a student may write a letter of appeal
to the Manager of Graduate Studies. Consideration for reinstatement will be on a case
by case basis and approved only one time by the Associate Vice President of Graduate
Studies and Research. There is no appeal beyond the Associate Vice President of
Graduate Studies and Research.
Student Review Policy
Members of the program faculty, using their professional judgment, continually evaluate
each student’s performance. Students receive feedback about their performance from
faculty members, advisors, and supervisors.
If a faculty member believes that a student is not making satisfactory progress or
meeting program or university standards, that faculty member will discuss the situation
with the student. If the faculty member believes the student's performance cannot
improve to acceptable standards, the faculty member may refer the student to a
committee of the program faculty, consisting of a minimum of three faculty members,
to review the student's performance. The Performance Fitness Evaluation Form
included in the Appendix will be used for this review. Please familiarize yourself with
this form.
1. If the student wishes to appeal the faculty member's decision to make this
referral, they may appeal this decision to the Department Chair. The
Department Chair is expected to give a response within 15 days.
a. If the Department Chair agrees with the faculty member’s decision, the
matter will be referred to a committee of the program faculty.
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2. The faculty review committee:
a. Will provide the student in writing with the reasons for non-satisfactory
progress.
b. Will provide the student an opportunity to meet with the committee
and respond.
c. Within 10 working days of meeting with the student, the committee
will report to the student, the department chair, and the College Dean
its findings that the student either be allowed to remain, allowed to
remain with conditions, or be removed from the program. The
department chair will forward copies to the offices of the College Dean,
the Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies & Research, the
Provost and the Office of Student Conduct.
3. Within 15 days of the receipt of such information, the student may notify the
Dean of the College of Education of the acceptance or appeal to the
committee's findings. Lack of appeal or notification within this time period is
assumed as acceptance.
4. If the student is recommended to stay in the program, the committee will
develop a growth plan.
5. To appeal the outcomes of the committee, the student must submit a written
appeal to the Dean of the College of Education. The Dean will determine
whether or not to uphold or modify the directives made by the committee.
The Dean will provide the student with a final decision in writing. The Dean
will forward copies to the department chair, and the offices of the Associate
Vice President for Graduate Studies & Research, the Provost, and the Office
of Student Affairs.
6. The decision of the Dean of the College of Education is final and will be
communicated to the student in writing.
Professional Endorsement Policy
The faculty will not endorse any graduate from the counseling, counseling psychology,
and educational psychology programs for a license or certification for which the
graduate has not been trained.
Admission to Candidacy
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Admission to candidacy is a requirement for all degree-seeking students.
The requirements for candidacy are:
1. Have a degree plan on file in the office of Graduate Studies & Research
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2.
3.
4.
5.
and the Department of Counseling and Psychology.
Be fully admitted to the Counseling, Counseling Psychology, Educational
Psychology, or School Psychology program and Graduate School.
Have a 3.0 GPA and not be on academic probation.
Show satisfactory progress and acceptable standards of conduct.
Have completed 12 hours in the degree plan.
Comprehensive Examination
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Every candidate for a M.Ed. or, M.S. in Counseling Psychology, or degree must
successfully complete the comprehensive examination. Candidates for the S.S.P.
must complete either a comprehensive examination, or a thesis.
While the scheduled date is usually posted early in the semester, the student is
ultimately responsible for contacting the program office for information regarding
the examination and for making arrangements to take it as scheduled. Examination
dates are typically:
Graduating Semester
Fall
Spring
Summer Sessions I & II
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Comprehensive Examination
2nd Saturday in November
2nd Saturday in April
2nd Saturday in July
Application Deadline
October 1st
March 1st
June 1st
The examination consists of two parts: an objective item examination and an essay
examination. The objective item examination consists of 100 multiple-choice
questions related to the student's degree plan. There are different examinations for
different degree plans. The essay examination consists of four essay questions
written by the student's advisory committee and related to the graduate coursework
taken by the student. The chair of the advisory committee submits two essay
questions and the other two members of the advisory committee each submit one
essay question.
A score of 70% must be obtained on each part of the comprehensive examination to
pass it. Any part of the examination that is not passed at the 70% cutoff must be
retaken in the next semester that the examination is administered. Students who
do not receive a passing score the second time are referred to their advisory
committee. An individual remediation plan will be considered. No student may take
the failed portion more than three times. Students who are unable to successfully
complete the required comprehensive exams will be dismissed from the program.
Thesis
Every student in the M.S. Experimental Psychology program must complete a thesis.
The thesis is an original work of research that each student will need to propose and
conduct over a two semester sequence. Students may begin their thesis after meeting
the following requirements:
1. Completion of at least 18 hours in the program.
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2. Having successfully completed PSYK 500, PSYK 501, and PSYK 516.
In the first semester the student is expected to identify their topic, select their faculty
committee, and propose their research protocol. During the second semester, the
student will collect and analyze data, interpret their findings, and defend their research
report. The Office of Graduate Studies publishes a Thesis Handbook which outlines
required thesis elements and procedures. Due to the shortened calendar during the
summer semester, it is strongly recommended that students begin their thesis in the
Fall semester.
Graduation
Students must register to graduate by the deadline listed in the current catalog or class
schedule. All university requirements regarding the final procedures related to the
degree must be followed. If courses have been substituted for those printed on the
degree plan, a substitution approval form must be completed, signed by the student,
graduate advisor, and the Department Chair and placed on file in the graduate studies
office.
PART 3: FIELD PLACEMENT
Courses

The following courses require a separate application for each semester in which the
student will be enrolled:
CNSK 595
PSYK 505
PSYK 595
CNSK 596
PSYK 584
PSYK 596
PSYK 587
Eligibility
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All prerequisite courses must be completed to be eligible for enrollment in practicum
and internship courses (see the appropriate Verification of Coursework form)
Students must have a 3.0 GPA, admitted to candidacy, and not be on academic
probation
Students must show satisfactory progress and acceptable standards of conduct
Every applicant must be approved for eligibility by the practicum/internship director
Any program faculty member may challenge a student's eligibility or fitness for a
practicum or internship under the student fitness and performance guidelines of the
department. No student will be admitted to a practicum/internship until all
challenges to eligibility have been resolved.
Application and Deadlines
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Application for practicum/internship experiences must be submitted for each
experience.
Acceptance and completion of one practicum/internship course does not assure
acceptance to a second practicum/internship.
Application forms are available in the program offices.
Application deadlines are announced and posted each semester. It is the
responsibility of the student seeking a practicum/internship to know and adhere to
the application deadline. No new applications will be considered after a deadline for
a particular semester has passed.
The application deadlines are (note: if a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it
will be moved to the next working day):
Practicum Semester
Fall
Spring
Summer Sessions I & II

Application Deadline
July 1st
November 1st
April 1st
Written notification of acceptance to a practicum/internship will be provided as soon
as all applications have been processed after the deadline date. Packets containing
guidelines and procedures will be mailed to all applicants who have been accepted.
The assigned supervisor of each section will provide specific information and
guidelines to those students registered in that section. Students whose applications
are not accepted may reapply for the subsequent semester.
Selection of Practicum and Internship Sites
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The student seeks and chooses the practicum/internship site. Approval of the site
by the practicum/internship director is required.
A site must be deemed appropriate by the practicum/internship director to be
approved. The student must provide the names and phone numbers of contacts at
the site, as well as detailed information about the services offered and potential
experiences for the student. To approve a site, the practicum/internship director
will consider the qualification of supervisors at the site, the experiences to be
offered the student, the coursework, degree plan, and licensure/certification sought
by the student, and the quality of the services offered at the site. The
practicum/internship director may deny placement of a student at a particular site if
the site is deemed inappropriate for meeting the educational needs of the student.
It is highly recommended that students seeking sites meet with the
practicum/internship director early in the semester of the application deadline to get
pre-approval of the site. This will help to insure that adequate time is available to
find an alternate site in case a site is not approved.
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Liability Insurance
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
All students who register for a practicum or internship course are required to submit
proof of their student counseling/therapy liability insurance when submitting their
application for practicum. In some instances, students may be required to provide
health certificates or evidence of immunization to work with clients.
Since it is the responsibility of students to prepare themselves for course
requirements, liability insurance must be purchased several weeks prior to taking a
practicum or internship course to avoid delays in working with clients. Students are
also responsible for renewing the insurance as needed.
PART 4: PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY
Professional Associations
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Students are strongly encouraged to network within the professional community
(e.g., participate in professional activities and/or join a professional association). A
variety of professional associations have student members. As a whole, these
associations provide many benefits, products, and services to counselors,
psychologists, and therapists. They promote public recognition of the profession,
advocate for the profession, and represent the profession’s interests before federal,
state, and local governments.
Professional associations most directly related to our program options include:
o Counseling
 American Counseling Association
 American Mental Health Counselors Association
 American School Counselor Association
 American College Personnel Association
 Texas Counseling Association
 Texas Mental Health Counselors Association
 Texas School Counselor Association
 Mid-Tex Counseling Association (Killeen)
 Metroplex Counseling Association (Ft. Worth)
o Psychology
 American Psychological Association
 Association for Psychological Science
 Southwestern Psychological Association
 National Association of School Psychologists
 Texas Psychological Association
 Texas Association of School Psychologists
o Marriage and Family
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
 American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
 Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
Students are also encouraged to attend and participate in professional association
conferences. Such experiences give opportunities to share research, network, and
enhance professional development. While it is not a requirement, graduate faculty
are often interested in collaborating with students to develop conference
presentations.
Honor Societies
If invited, students should accept membership in a professional honor society such as
Psi Chi (psychology) or Chi Sigma Iota (counseling). Such honors give recognition for
academic excellence and are appropriate for listing on one’s resume. Local chapters
often have activities that provide professional development and collegiality.
PART 5: CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE
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
All graduate degree options within the master’s degree programs are designed to
lead to eligibility for professional certification or licensure in the State of Texas, with
the exception of Experimental Psychology. Each degree option is primarily designed
for a particular credential.
Certification or licensure is generally coordinated between the student and the board
issuing the desired credential. Program faculty and the department usually provide
documentation and verification of training experiences to boards after the student
has initiated the credentialing process.
o For school counseling certification, students initiate the process by
contacting the certification office at A&M-Central Texas.
o For professional counseling licensure (LPC), marriage and family therapy
licensure (LMFT), psychological associate licensure (LPA), and school
psychologist licensure (LSSP), students initiate the process by contacting
the appropriate licensing board.
It is the responsibility of the student to be aware of the particular requirements of
the certification and licensing board for which a credential is sought. Consult with
program faculty if you are unsure of how to find these requirements.
Many credentials require post-master’s degree internship experiences. The student
independently arranges these with the consent of the certification or licensing
board. The department and its program faculty are not involved in this requirement.
Program options, the eligible credentials, and the appropriate certification and
licensing boards for these credentials are listed in table 1 on the next page:
18
Program
Degree
Program Option
Credential
Responsible Board
Counseling
M.Ed.
School
Counseling
School Counselor
(certification)
Texas State Board
for Educator
Certification
Licensed
Professional
Counselor
(license)
Texas State Board
of Examiners of
Professional
Counselors
Licensed
Professional
Counselor
(license)
Texas State Board
of Examiners of
Professional
Counselors
National Certified
Counselor
(certification)
National Board for
Certified
Counselors
Marriage and
Family Therapy
Licensed Marriage
and Family
Therapist (license)
Texas State Board
of Examiners of
Marriage and
Family Therapists
Counseling
Psychology
M.S.
Licensed
Professional
Counselor
Educational
Psychology
M.S.
Licensed
Psychological
Associate
Licensed
Psychological
Associate (license)
Texas State Board
of Examiners of
Psychologists
School
Psychology
S.S.P.
Licensed
Specialist in
School
Psychology
Licensed Specialist
in School
Psychology
(license)
Texas State Board
of Examiners of
Psychologists
Non-degree
Seeking
Post
master’s
degree with
2 years
teaching
experience
School Counselor
(certification)
Texas State Board
for Educator
Certification
19
APPENDIX A
Performance Fitness Evaluation
Counseling, Counseling Psychology, & Educational Psychology Graduate Programs
Department of Psychology & Counseling
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Student _________________________________ Semester/Year ______________
Faculty _________________________________ Course Number _____________
This evaluation is to be completed by instructors when they believe that there is a poor
match between the student and the counseling program. The evaluation covers four
areas:
1. Professionalism 2. Competency 3. Social and Emotional Maturity 4. Integrity
This form should be completed in triplicate. The faculty member completing it should
retain the original, give one copy to the student, and place one copy in the student’s
file. The faculty member MUST complete follow-up documentation to be placed in the
student’s file.
Directions: Based on your observations of the student, select the relevant items, then
circle the number that corresponds to the level of concern:
0= Not Concerned
1= Concerned
2 = Highly Concerned
Professionalism
1. The student conducts self in an ethical manner so as to promote confidence in
the counseling program.
2. The student relates to peers, professors, and others in a manner consistent
with stated professional standards.
3. The student demonstrates sensitivity to real and ascribed differences in power
between themselves and others.
4. The student demonstrates an understanding of the legal requirements relevant
to counseling training and practice.
5. The student regularly attends class, is on time for class, and stays for the full
class meeting time.
6. The student willingly increases knowledge (and implementation) of effective
counseling strategies.
7. The student projects a professional image and positive attitude.
Competency
1. The student recognizes the boundaries of his/her particular competencies and
limitations of his/her expertise.
2. The student takes responsibility for compensating for his/her deficiencies in a
0 1 2
0 1 2
0 1 2
0 1 2
0 1 2
0 1 2
0 1 2
0 1 2
0 1 2
20
timely manner.
3. The student takes responsibility for assuring client welfare when faced with the
boundaries of his/her expertise.
4. The student provides only those services, and applies only those techniques,
for which s/he is qualified by education, training, or experience.
5. The student demonstrates basic cognitive, affective, and sensory capacities
when responding therapeutically to clients.
6. The student demonstrates appropriate oral and written language skills.
Social and Emotional Maturity
1. The student demonstrates appropriate self-control (such as anger control,
impulse control) in interpersonal relationships with faculty, supervisors, peers,
and clients.
2. The student is honest, fair, and respectful of others.
3. The student is aware of his/her own belief systems, values, needs, and
limitations and the effect of these on his/her work.
4. The student demonstrates the ability to receive, integrate, and utilize feedback
from peers, instructors, and supervisors.
5. The student exhibits appropriate levels of self-assurance, confidence, and trust
in own ability.
6. The student follows professionally recognized problem-solving processes,
seeking to informally solve problems first with the individual(s) with whom the
problem exists.
Integrity and Ethical Standards
1. The student refrains from making statements which are false, misleading, or
deceptive.
2. The student avoids improper and potentially harmful dual relationships.
3. The student respects the fundamental rights, dignity, and worth of all people.
4. The student respects the rights of individuals to privacy, confidentiality, and
choices regarding self-determination and autonomy.
5. The student respects cultural, individual and role differences, including those
due to age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation,
disability, language, and socioeconomic status.
0 1 2
0 1 2
0 1 2
0 1 2
0 1 2
0 1 2
0 1 2
0 1 2
0 1 2
0 1 2
0 1 2
0 1 2
0 1 2
0 1 2
0 1 2
Student Signature: _________________________________ Date: _________________
Faculty Signature: __________________________________Date: _________________
21
APPENDIX B
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Application to the Graduate Psychology and Counseling Programs
Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Preferred Email:
Zip Code:
Preferred Phone:
Degree Program applying to (Check one):
□ Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA)
□ Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
□ Licensed Professional Counselor
□ Licensed Specialist in School Psychology
□ School Counseling
□ Experimental Psychology
Do you have an Undergraduate Degree in Psychology? Circle one: YES
NO
If no, list degree and what PSY classes you have taken:
Your recent GRE score and date taken:
Your Undergraduate GPA:
Have you completed any Graduate hours? Circle one: YES
NO
If yes, list completed hours:
Do you have work experience in the mental health field? Circle one: YES
If yes, describe:
NO
22
Please attach:
1) A typed statement of your personal strengths and weaknesses and professional
goals in 200 words or less.
2) A vita/resume detailing your work and educational experience
Return this form, statement and vita/resume to:
Dr. Brian Wortham
OR:
Department of Psychology and Counseling
1001 Leadership Place
Killeen, TX 76549
wortham@ct.tamus.edu
23
APPENDIX C
PSYCHOLOGY AND COUNSELING GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Statement of Confidentiality
I, the undersigned, do agree to hold in strictest confidence personal information gained
in any psychology or counseling course as well as any other that may be construed to
be in a psychology or counseling course. This agreement is in accordance with
established Codes of Ethics from professional associations as well as the licensure laws
of the State of Texas. I understand the necessity for such an agreement and will abide
by the implicit and explicit demands of this statement. I further understand that
breaches of confidentiality will result in disciplinary action including possible dismissal
from the Texas A&M University-Central Texas Counseling, Counseling Psychology,
Educational Psychology and School Psychology programs.
Student Name
Date
24
APPENDIX D
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
INFORMED CONSENT
The undersigned student understands:
The graduate degree programs include laboratory and field experiences in counseling or
psychology. These courses will include practicing counseling, therapy, and assessment skills
with student peers, being interviewed by counseling or psychology peers, and practicing
newly-acquired and more advanced skills with actual clients at field sites. Due to the nature
of counseling and psychology, and the faculty's responsibility to educate effective
counselors and therapists, students may be encouraged to participate in experiential
activities (including group). All reasonable efforts will be made to protect the confidentiality
of any disclosed information.
Important components of student evaluation will include receptivity to the giving and
receiving of feedback (from peers, university instructors, and site supervisors) and ability to
integrate such feedback into the student's counseling, therapy, and assessment behaviors.
Feedback will include supervisor observations (from course instructors, program faculty, and
site supervisors) of any limitations in counseling, therapy, and assessment skills, professional
practice, and personal qualities and behaviors that may inhibit the student's therapeutic
abilities. Feedback (oral and/or written) will come in the classroom and lab settings, as well
as in group and individual supervision settings. Additional meetings with instructor and/or
field supervisor may be necessary. Progression through field experiences will depend upon a
formative evaluation by the instructor that the student has acquired the skills necessary for
the next level.
In consideration of being allowed to participate in courses and the field placement
requirements of the program, the undersigned student agrees:
1. That his/her participation in said program will make use of personal student
experiences in a classroom situation, and hereby gives informed consent to the usage
of these experiences and further agrees and consents that professional observations
and/or findings as well as student comments may be communicated to and discussed
in a classroom situation.
2. To hold harmless Texas A&M University - Central Texas, The Texas A&M
University System Board of Regents, The Texas A&M University System, their
respective officers, agents, servants, and employees from any and all liability arising
out of or in any way predicated upon acts or omissions, in connection with the program
described above.
3. That he/she assumes all risk involved in participation in this program. This assumption is
made freely and voluntarily and with full and complete understanding of the
consequences of such risk assumption.
By signing this agreement, I understand and agree to these conditions for my enrollment in
the program.
Date
Student Name
25
APPENDIX E
LMFT OPTION
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY
PRACTICUM VERIFICATION OF COURSEWORK
I certify that I have completed the following pre-requisite courses for PSYK 505, PSYK 584
or PSYK 587.
Required Course
CPSK 550
Foundations of Counseling and Psychology
CPSK509
Assessment & Treatment in Marriage
& Family Therapy
CPSK 553
Personality & Counseling Theories
& Applications
CPSK 556
Introduction to Family Counseling
and Therapy
CPSK 557
Methods & Practices in Counseling
& Psychology
CPSK 558
Counseling Perspectives on
Psychopathology
Semester/Year
School
Grade
Approved course substitutions or reasons for not completing any prerequisite course.
I also certify that my cumulative graduate school grade point average (GPA) at Texas A&M
University-Central Texas is 3.0 or greater.
26
Student Signature _______________________________
APPENDIX F
Date __________________
LPA OPTION
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
PRACTICUM VERIFICATION OF COURSEWORK
I certify that I have completed the following pre-requisite courses for PSYK 505, PSYK 584 or
PSYK 587.
Required Course
Semester/Year
School
CPSK 550
Foundations of Counseling and Psychology
CPSK 553
Personality & Counseling Theories
& Applications
CPSK 554
Group Procedures for Counselors
CPSK 557
Methods & Practices in Counseling
& Psychology
CPSK 558
Counseling Perspectives on Psychopathology
PSYK 581
Assessment & Evaluation Fundamentals
Approved course substitutions or reasons for not completing any prerequisite course.
I also certify that my cumulative graduate school grade point average (GPA) at Texas A&M
University-Central Texas is 3.0 or greater.
Grade
27
Student Signature _______________________________
Date __________________
APPENDIX G
LPC OPTION
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY
PRACTICUM VERIFICATION OF COURSEWORK
I certify that I have completed the following pre-requisite courses for PSYK 505, PSYK 584 or
PSYK 587.
Required Course
Semester/Year
School
CPSK550
Foundations of Counseling and Psychology
CPSK 553
Personality & Counseling Theories
& Applications
CPSK 554
Group Procedures for Counselors
CPSK 557
Methods & Practices in Counseling
& Psychology
CPSK 558
Counseling Perspectives on Psychopathology
PSYK 581
Assessment & Evaluation Fundamentals
Approved course substitutions or reasons for not completing any prerequisite course.
I also certify that my cumulative graduate school grade point average (GPA) at Texas A&M
University-Central Texas is 3.0 or greater.
Grade
28
Student Signature _______________________________
Date __________________
APPENDIX H
SCHOOL COUNSELOR OPTION
MASTER OF EDUCATION IN COUNSELING
INTERNSHIP VERIFICATION OF COURSEWORK
I certify that I have completed the following pre-requisite courses for CNSK 595 or CNSK 596.
Required Course
Semester/Year
School
CPSK 550
Foundations of Counseling and Psychology
CPSK 551
Career Counseling & Guidance
CPSK 553
Personality & Counseling Theories
& Applications
CPSK 554
Group Procedures for Counselors
CPSK 557
Methods & Practices in Counseling
& Psychology
PSYK 581
Assessment & Evaluation Fundamentals
Approved course substitutions or reasons for not completing any prerequisite course.
I also certify that my cumulative graduate school grade point average (GPA) at Texas A&M
University-Central Texas is 3.0 or greater.
Grade
29
Student Signature _______________________________
Date __________________
APPENDIX I
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY OPTION
SPECIALIST IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY
“INTERNSHIP” VERIFICATION OF COURSEWORK
I certify that I have completed the following pre-requisite courses for PSYK 595 OR PSYK 596.
Required Course
PSYK 500 Behavioral Statistics
PSYK 501 Research Methods
PSYK 502 Social Psychological Processes
PSYK 503 Theories of Learning
PSYK 504 Human Development
PSYK 505 Practicum I
PSYK 560 Foundations of School Psychology
PSYK 511 Cultural, Minority & Gender Issues
PSYK 514 Assessment of Intelligence
& Achievement
PSYK 515 Physiological Psychology
PSYK 580 Personality & Social Assessment
PSYK 582 Behavior Management & Therapy
PSYK 583 Consultation & Supervision
CPSK 553 Personality & Counseling Theories
& Applications
CPSK 557 Methods & Practices in Counseling
& Psychology
PSYK 581 Assessment & Evaluation Fundamentals
CPSK 558 Counseling Perspectives on
Psychopathology
-or- ESPK 505 Introduction to Exceptional Learners
EDUK 538 Curriculum Design & Implementation
EDAK 512 Administration of Elementary &
Secondary Schools & Special Services
Semester/Year
School
Approved course substitutions or reasons for not completing any prerequisite course.
I also certify that my cumulative graduate school grade point average (GPA) at Texas A&M
University-Central Texas is 3.0 or greater.
Grade
30
Student Signature _______________________________
Date ____________________________
APPENDIX J
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY OPTION
SPECIALIST IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY
“PRACTICUM” VERIFICATION OF COURSEWORK
I certify that I have completed the following pre-requisite courses for PSYK 505.
Required Course
Semester/Year
School
PSYK 560
Foundations of School Psychology
PSYK 582
Behavior Management & Therapy
CPSK 553
Personality & Counseling Theories
& Applications
CPSK 557
Methods & Practices in Counseling
& Psychology
PSYK 581
Assessment & Evaluation Fundamentals
CPSK 558
Counseling Perspectives on Psychopathology
-ORESPK 505
Introduction to Exceptional Learners
Approved course substitutions or reasons for not completing any prerequisite course.
I also certify that my cumulative graduate school grade point average (GPA) at Texas A&M
University-Central Texas is 3.0 or greater.
Student Signature _______________________________
Date __________________
Grade